Acid-base determinations in normal and asphyxiated term infants during the first 24 hours of life
Molteno, C.D.; Malan, A.F.; Heese, H.V.
South African Medical Journal 50(48): 1931-1934
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 12578 Document Number: 96633
Vigorous term infants who are born normally initially have a moderate metabolic and respiratory acidosis which is corrected by the time the infant is 6 hours old. Asphyxiated infants consistently show a greater degree of acidosis, both metabolic and respiratory. Caesarean section results in higher pCO2 values, especially when 'diffusion apnoea' occurs. Indications for the correction of acidosis in asphyxia are proposed.